Minnesota Exports at $5.3 Billion in First Quarter

ST. PAUL – Sales of Minnesota agricultural, mining and manufactured exports soared 9 percent to a first quarter record of $5.3 billion, according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

The agency said Minnesota businesses exported 930 different products to 187 countries during the quarter. U.S. exports were up 8 percent during the period, with 45 states reporting increased export sales.

“Minnesota companies achieved sales that were $450 million higher in the first quarter than in the same period a year earlier,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “Demand for Minnesota-made products is growing in virtually every region of the world.”

Asia was the state’s top export region, with sales climbing 21 percent to $2 billion. Minnesota exports grew 1 percent to $1.6 billion in North America and 9 percent to $1.2 billion in Europe. Exports sales also climbed in Central and South America (up 2 percent), the Middle East (up 2 percent) and Africa (up 34 percent). The Australia-Pacific area (down 18 percent) was the only major region where sales fell.

Pharmaceutical sales jumped 63 percent, led by a 186 percent increase in exports to China and growth in smaller markets like Singapore (up 575 percent), Germany (up 259 percent) and Japan (up 128 percent). Major growth in miscellaneous grain, seed sales (up 103 percent) was driven by China ($64 million, up from $2 million) and Morocco ($9 million, up from $27,400). The main export in both cases was soybeans.

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website or follow DEED on Twitter.

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Upon request, this information can be made available in alternate formats for people with disabilities by contacting the DEED Communications Office at 651-259-7161.